TV Licensing catch 180 people in Rugby watching TV without a licence

MORE than 180 people were caught watching TV without a licence in Rugby during the first half of 2012.

The figures for Rugby, revealed by TV Licensing this week, compares to 1,578 in Coventry and 323 in Nuneaton.

They are among more than 204,000 people caught across the UK during the first half of this year. The average evasion rate remains at a low of just more five per cent, meaning that almost 95 per cent of properties are correctly licensed.

Mark Whitehouse, TV Licensing spokesman for the West Midlands, said: “Today’s figures paint a very positive picture as the vast majority of people in the UK continue to pay their licence fee. Unfortunately, a minority of people do not pay for their licence, which is unfair to the law-abiding majority who do pay.”

People who watch TV without a licence risk prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000,

Mr Whitehouse continued: “We do understand some people may find it difficult to pay their licence fee in one go, which is why we offer numerous ways to spread the cost, including a weekly cash payment plan, a savings card and monthly direct debit scheme, which can all be set up very quickly online or over the phone.”